Prepping Your Extensions
Your extensions may already come co-washed (conditioner washed) when they arrive. A sticker indicating whether your extensions have been co-washed will be on the outside of your box. If your box has no sticker, you will want to wash and deep condition your extensions to restore it's moisture and enhance the softness. While this is recommended, it is completely optional.
We recommend using sulfate-free and hydrating products to co-wash your hair extensions.
Dealing with Dryness and Breakage
Dryness is a common issue with hair extensions because the hair is no longer receiving a coat of sebum, or oils produced by our skin, from our sebaceous glands. The lack of sebum also contributes to more hair friction resulting in more breakage and hair loss.
Accordingly, we need to add moisture to hair units for manageability and refrain from certain practices that make this issue even worse. This is why we recommend against dying the hair if it has already been processed for a curl/wavy/relaxed texture or for a color. The additional process strips the hair of moisture even further.
Applying excessive heat, washing the hair too frequently and using products with drying agents like alcohol are big NO NO's. Remember, this is human hair and prone to damage just like naturally growing hair. The more processed the hair, the drier it will be.
Dryness and friction can lead to brittle hair that sheds frequently so extra steps are needed to preserve the life of your extensions and lace wigs. To prevent excessive hair loss, here are some steps you should take:
- Use mild shampoos that are not harsh on the hair and follow with a conditioner
- Refrain from using blow-dryers as the hair is best air-dried or use a low-heat setting
- Wrap hair with a satin or silk head-scarf at night to avoid friction
- Refrain from scratching hair. This friction causes breakage
- Avoid friction by not combing or brushing the hair too frequently
- For lace wigs, keep conditioners away from the base of your cap. Buildup here brings about bacteria growth which leads to loosening of the knots and breakage
- Avoid over-using heating appliances like flat irons and curling irons. Just as with naturally growing hair, excessive heat will cause dryness, split ends and breakage
Should I seal my wefts?
We recommend sealing your wefts to withstand the the combing, brushing, sewing needle punctures that may occur over time. However this is completely optional. A common weft sealer used by many is the Aleene's stop fray which can be gotten from any local fabric store. You can also purchase weft sealers from any company that offers them over the web
What products should I use?
We recommend Pantene Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner. You may also use any shampoo and conditioner of your choice. However, be wary of leave-in-conditioners, leaving it on your hair for days may cause build up thereby leaving the hair heavy
How often should I shampoo my hair?
Depending on how long you wear your extensions/lace wigs, we suggest once a week
How should I wash and dry my hair?
When you wash your hair, you should wash in a soft downward stroke. Do not rustle your hair in a ball or bunch the hair together while washing. This will result in serious tangling. Refrain from using blow-dryers as the hair is best air-dried. You may also use a blow dryer with a diffuser on the end
Gently detangle your extensions with a wide-tooth comb before wrapping them up to avoid morning tangles.
How do I straighten my curly or wavy hair?
For long lasting waves, curls or for hold, apply a lightweight curl cream or mousse and let the hair air dry. You can use a curl or flat iron with a low heat setting to create your desired style. A spritz or refreshing hair mist can also help to revive your curls while adding shine.
Can I color my hair?
You can dye or color your hair extensions, however you should note that dying/coloring the hair takes moisture away from the hair thereby leaving it dry. You may use permanent color, semi-permanent color, and rinses on the hair just as you would your natural hair. However, note that repetitive coloring or perming will damage the hair just as it would damage your own natural hair.
Can I swim in my hair?
You can swim in your hair, however wear a swim cap in order to avoid contact with chlorine/salt which is commonly found in the pool. Chlorine/sale will make the hair dry and brittle. You should still plan on washing your hair after swimming.
Night-time Routine